Talent is not the issue, Allen says … ok, maybe it is

After watching the game tape of Sunday’s 55-20 loss, Raiders coach Dennis Allen said, “Execution was the problem, not the effort of the team.” He said the defense has enough talent to win. But asked later in Monday’s news conference if the issue was talent, scheme or effort, Allen backtracked somewhat.

“I think at times there’s a combination of all three of those things,” he said.

There’s no telling whether tailback Darren McFadden will be able to play against the Saints, he said. He and backup Mike Goodson are nursing high ankle sprains, and both remain in walking boots.

– Allen on why the Raiders cut cornerback Pat Lee over Philip Adams, Coye Francies or Brandian Ross: “I felt like younger guys we had were more valuable to us on special teams”

Reserve linebacker Travis Goethel will be out the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee.

Briefly: Tight end Brandon Myers and safety Matt Giordano are going through the league-mandated protocol after sustaining concussions. … Offensive tackle Khalif Barnes is expected to return to the lineup Sunday for the first time since injuring his groin Sept. 16, but defensive lineman Richard Seymour (hamstring) is still iffy. … The Raiders are asking fans to support the Alameda County Community Food Bank by contributing money or non-perishable food items before Sunday’s game by visiting the food bank’s Raiderville booth outside the Coliseum from 8:30 a.m. to noon.